Graduate Assistant (MS) Grassland Plant Ecology

Wichita State University, United States

Updated: about 1 year ago
Location: Wichita, KANSAS
Deadline: 10 Apr 2023

Agency
Wichita State University
Location
Wichita, Kansas
Job Category
Graduate Assistantships
Salary
$25,000/year + tuition waiver
Start Date
01/15/2024
Last Date to Apply
04/10/2023
Website
https://www.wichita.edu/biology/ghouseman
Description
I am seeking a highly motivated individual to join a collaborative team at Wichita State University studying the role of a dominant grazer in restored grasslands. One of the largest, grassland restoration initiatives in the U.S. is the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). In Kansas, the CRP program has re-established over 2 million acres of native grassland; however, most of these sites do not include a dominant grazer despite the critical role that bison historically played in these systems. In this new project, we will test how cattle grazing influences restored plant communities and bird habitat in short and tallgrass prairie regions (Colorado and Kansas). The project will involve extensive fieldwork during the summers. Wichita State University is a metropolitan research-intensive university set in a suburban area (~540,000 people) with a diverse student body, yet close to numerous high quality grasslands including the iconic Flint Hills. Wichita offers many opportunities for cultural/artistic activities and low cost-of-living. The Department of Biological Sciences at WSU includes core facilities in environmental biology, imaging and bioinformatics, an animal care facility, greenhouse, and a Biological Field Station. Previous graduate students have gone on to Ph.D. programs or are employed by state and federal agencies, NGOs and private businesses. More information about the Department, including a complete list of facilities, and current Graduate Faculty and their teaching and research interests is available on our web site at: http://www.wichita.edu/biology/. Information about graduate school at WSU is available at https://www.wichita.edu/academics/graduate_school/index.php
Qualifications
The ideal student for this position is self-motivated, works well with a team of field researchers, has some knowledge of grassland plants and a strong interest in ecology. However, strong students with the aptitude to learn quickly will also be considered. Proficiency in oral and written English is required. Applicants should have a undergraduate degree in ecology, biology, or a related field and must meet the requirements for admission at Wichita State University. Successful applicants will receive a 2-year assistantship with stipend, full tuition waiver, and health benefits. Review of applications will begin on 1 April 2023. The anticipated start date for the position is January 2024. It would be possible to begin sooner, but this arrangement would require some discussion. To apply, email your CV, transcript, and a letter describing your research interests and future goals to Dr. Greg Houseman ([email protected]). Please use this same email address to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. You do not need to apply to the Graduate School until you have been accepted into my lab.
Contact Person
Greg Houseman
Contact eMail
[email protected]

Bookmark the permalink .

Similar Positions